Raiders’ Pete Carroll hints at Giants’ draft plans while talking Russell Wilson
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll thinks that even though the Giants signed Russell Wilson, they could still draft a quarterback.
The Las Vegas Raiders have the No. 6 pick in the NFL Draft, and it’s not for certain who they’re thinking about taking at that spot. The Raiders already have their quarterback after trading for Geno Smith, and some of the top options at the position will probably be gone by the time they pick. One team that everyone is looking at is the New York Giants, and even though they signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, some think that drafting a quarterback could be in their plans with the No. 3 pick.
“In talking about what he feels Russell Wilson will bring to the Giants, Pete Carroll – unprompted – also mentioned NYG bringing a rookie QB into that room. Tells you what the Raiders, picking three spots behind the Giants in 1st, and the rest of the league are thinking,” Giants reporter Art Stapleton wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The Giants have a lot of ways they can go with the pick, but it will also depend on who is there when it’s time to select. Cam Ward seems like a lock for the Tennessee Titans, and there has been a growing sense that Abdul Carter will be the pick for the Cleveland Browns.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Giants went with Shedeur Sanders so they can have their quarterback of the future, but if they’re in the mindset of winning now, picking someone like Travis Hunter wouldn’t be a bad decision.
If the Giants don’t draft Sanders, it would make sense for the Raiders to possibly look to select him, especially with the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars already having their quarterbacks of the future. It’ll be interesting to see how things pan out, and as of now, it’s looking like the draft will start when the Giants are on the clock.
Las Vegas Raiders 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft, per PFF simulator
Who will the Raiders take in the 2025 NFL Draft?
With Pete Carroll and Geno Smith reuniting in a new city, the Las Vegas Raiders will debut one of the league’s most surprising rosters in 2025. Following a successful free agency period, the Raiders now turn to the 2025 NFL Draft, where general manager John Spytek has nine picks to use across seven rounds.
Spytek managed to accomplish a lot in free agency, but the team still has clear needs entering the draft. The Raiders have a plethora of roster needs, specifically at running back, receiver, center, linebacker and cornerback. They will not be able to solve all the issues with an incoming rookie class, but Spytek’s upcoming decisions will be telling to Las Vegas’ immediate success in 2025.
With the hype of the upcoming season already stirring, the Raiders have high expectations to meet in the 2025 NFL Draft. Their process will begin with the No. 6 overall pick, followed by one selection in each of the ensuing four rounds. Las Vegas will have three picks in Round 6, courtesy of two compensatory picks, given to them as a consolation from the 2023 offseason. Spytek will conclude his night with one final choice in Round 7.
The Raiders do not have as many options as some other teams do, but they have more than enough to round out the edges of their improving roster.
Here is the Raiders’ seven-round 2025 NFL mock draft, according to the Pro Football Focus draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 6: RB Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
Running back is one of the Raiders’ most obvious needs, making them the team likely to take a shot on 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty. As potentially the greatest college running back of all time, Jeanty is an immediate day-one starter who should instantly be one of the top talents at the position. Those are lofty expectations, but with what he accomplished in college, overestimating Jeanty seems near impossible.
Without a clear-cut top running back in 2024, the Raiders sheepishly presented the worst backfield in the league. Alexander Mattison led the way with just 420 rushing yards, as no player even came close to posing a threat in the run game. Las Vegas signed veteran Raheem Mostert in free agency, but at 32, his best days are miles behind him. Jeanty is an ideal pick at No. 6 who should have every fan itching with excitement.
Round 2, Pick 37: DT T.J. Sanders (South Carolina)
Even with Maxx Crosby now signed through the 2029 season, the Raiders still need defensive line help. That is where nose tackle T.J. Sanders can lend a helping hand. Over the last two years, Sanders recorded 94 tackles, 8.5 sacks and five batted passes at South Carolina. Those are elite numbers for an interior lineman who spent most of his snaps lined up across from the opposing center.
However, with several other more prominent vacancies to fill on the roster, taking a defensive tackle this early seems like a head-scratcher. Without making any major free agency moves, Spytek invested heavily in the position over the offseason by giving Maxx Crosby a record-breaking $106.5 million extension. A group that ranked in the middle of the league in pass rush and run defense is far from perfect, but the Raiders could benefit from addressing other needs in the second round.
Round 3, Pick 68: DT Shemar Turner (Texas A&M)
Taking one defensive tackle early might be acceptable, but drafting two would be borderline incompetence. It is not as if the Raiders lost linemen in free agency; the only key departure was veteran John Jenkins, whom the team let walk after two seasons.
From a pure asset perspective, Turner would still be a useful addition in the trenches. He is not the athlete that Sanders is, but his strength and motor would fit in perfectly next to Crosby. Still, if Spytek wishes to last longer than Telesco, he would be wise not to spend two of the team’s top three picks on nose tackles.
Round 4, Pick 108: CB Jacob Parrish (Kansas State)
The Raiders signed Eric Stokes away from the Green Bay Packers in free agency but still have a need for the position after losing Nate Hobbs. With just two players contracted beyond the 2025 season, Las Vegas also needs to think about the future of the position. Coming off a 50-tackle, seven-pass breakup year, Parrish is not an exciting answer but could grow into a weekly starter.
Las Vegas still has a solid group sticking with the team, which would allow Jacob Parrish to grow in Patrick Graham’s defense. Defensive backs have historically fared well in his system. Graham was one of the few coaches Carroll opted to retain once he accepted the job. This is another pick that might not jolt the fan base but could pay off in the long run.
